Marketing and Communications

Starting out in Social Media

As with any other communication you should have a clear purpose in mind before you embark.  If you are considering engaging because everyone else is, you’ve been to a conference and were told you ought by the speaker, or think you should, then pause. Ask yourself what do I want to achieve and what value can I add?

In short you need SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) objectives. We would also recommend you do some research and talk to Corporate Communications before you start.  We can help you to think your ideas through, decide on the right channel and point you in the right direction.

Remember social media is not a ‘push’ form of communication; it is more akin to a conversation and you should be aiming for a dialogue where you get to understand and address your audiences’ needs in a dynamic way. It’s also easier if you have something to say – this sounds obvious but lots of communication fails when people fail to give thought to planning and sustaining communications.  It is crucial that you think this through, as there are implications for resourcing any communications activity.  Can you respond accurately and promptly to all enquiries and conversations, as people expect quick responses with social media?

Remember that our audiences’ participation in our social media is entirely optional. For our current students and our staff the University has established, primary channels of communication - email, LookUP website for students and Staff Essentials for staff. Social media should complement these primary channels, and not replace them, as social media cannot be relied upon to reach an entire audience. We also have official, managed channels for our external audiences, such as potential students, chief among these are the university’s website and corporate publications.

Before developing a communications plan for creating social media accounts for your department, course or faculty, you should consider whether your message could be promoted using existing University channels or established social media presences.